Spirit of Democracy April 5, 1894 Sardis Our school closed Friday with interesting exercises. Prof. Walton left for his home on Tuesday. We understand he expects to teach a select school here sometime during the summer. No doubt the people will appreciate the effort as the professor has proved himself to be an excellent instructor. Teachers throughout the county will find no better opportunity in normal studies than Prof. Walton can give them. Our people here were shocked on Saturday morning to hear that the church at Mt. Moriah on this charge had been burned to the ground the night before. The fire is of incendiary origin. As there was no insurance on the building the loss will be keenly felt in the community. We understand it will be rebuilt however. Mr. Morrow has sold off his personal property and will soon leave Sardis. Mr. Morrow has many friends and neighbors who regret his departure and deeply sympathize with him in the sad breaking up of his home. "Incorporation" was all the talk for awhile but we hear nothing from it any more. Sardis wouldn't know herself should she get out of the old ruts. Why not take a step in advance? William Welch, so well known in the community as an oil man, recently died and was buried at public expense - one more fearful warning to inebriety. The Epworth league of Sardis held its annual election on last Monday evening. The league has grown to be very interesting. Mrs. Mary Parker and sister have moved to town and will be pleased to have calls from persons desiring to have carpets woven. Miss Emma Johnson of the "cash store" has returned to her post of duty and is now ready to receive all orders in millinery. I. A. Witten lost a little boy a few days ago of scarlet fever. Many friends here extend sympathy to the bereaved ones. Mrs. Bridgeman has laid out a beautiful field in town lots, which will afford some fine sites for building houses. The fruit in this community does not seem to be so much injured by the recent cold snap as was at first supposed. The "Loyal Temperance Legion" of this place celebrated Neal Dow's birthday very appropriately last Sabbath. We hear a great deal of oil talk and expect to hear more if the field continues to extend toward Sardis. Dr. Griffith is "shut in" with a case of mumps, which he brought with him from Woodsfield last week. A gentleman from Moundsville has located at Harris's store, who is a repairer of watches and clocks. It is said than Mr. Harvey Bowen of this place has gone into the hotel business at Morrow's old stand. Miss Adda Knight is at home again having closed her school in the "oil fields" last week. Miss Strowschneider of Williamstown, W.Va, is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Phillips. The new residence of Louis Stoehr presents a fine appearance as it nears completion. William Humphry was so unfortunate as to lose a valuable cow last week. E. Smittle moved from this place last week to his farm on Narrow's run. The Litton Bros. are running a blacksmith shop in the "oil field." Moving is in order this week. Many changes are being made. Mumps and measles are epidemic here at present. Miss Emma Price is quite sick of measles. transcribed by Sara Richardson Kelly re: Richardson, Suter, Griffith, Nesbitt